From Kyle of Lochalsh the Isle of Skye and Inverie
Fortified by a hearty Scottish breakfast, we disembarked for a morning’s activities on the Isle of Skye and the Mainland of the Western Highlands.
Some of us opted to go hiking in the Cuillin of Skye with Rick and Konia. We started our trek at Sligachan, crossing the fast-running trout river by an old stone bridge before reaching a rough trail between the Red and Black Cuillin, two ranges of 3,000 feet high mountains. Fortunately, everyone was well equipped for this expedition and we were not deterred by weather, terrain or midges. The hills were ablaze with purple-flowering heather, and we discovered many wild plants including the rare Sundew, a red-leaved carnivorous plant that eats insects to obtain essential nitrogen. Returning to Sligachan, we visited the hotel’s bar, where the 200+ selection of malt whiskies was admired but not sampled.
Meanwhile, on the Mainland, David and Iris led the way to Eilean Donan Castle, a thirteenth-century fortress strategically sited on a tiny island. Still owned and inhabited by members of Clan MacRae, the castle was restored to perfect condition 1912-1932 after lying ruined since 1719. The misty, damp conditions didn’t affect our enjoyment – we saw at least five rainbows, and by the time we reached our second destination, Plockton, the sun was shining brightly as we strolled along Harbour Street inspecting the tiny flower and vegetable gardens which line the shore. The old fisherman’s cottages, now desirable homes for artists and holidaymakers, were very familiar to some of us as the location for the BBC TV detective series “Hamish Macbeth”.
At lunchtime Lord of the Glens sailed from Kyle of Lochalsh into the Sound of Sleat, following the southern coastline of Skye. Reaching Armadale, we went ashore to visit the Clan Donald Centre. Iris gave a presentation at the award-winning Museum of the Isles, where guests who wished to investigate their Scottish family links were made welcome by the research centre staff. In perfect summer sunshine, Konia showed us botanical treasures in the spectacular landscaped gardens of Armadale castle, while David and Rick led a more energetic hike into MacDonald country.
We cast off from Skye in the late afternoon, headed for Loch Nevis, a Mainland sea loch only accessible by water. Helpful children at Inverie, the only village on Loch Nevis, helped the crew by catching the lines as we came alongside to spend the night in this tranquil, remote spot. After dinner entertainment came in the form of a visit to the Old Forge Inn, famous for its music, food and beer, but most renowned as the most isolated pub in Britain. Yes, we did buy the T-shirt!
